OPAL: East Dunbartonshire Information Line

Testimonials

Even a ten minute chat on the phone made me feel so much better. I was becoming frustrated and annoyed at not getting what I needed from services, but talking to my Advocacy Worker kept me grounded and stopped me from losing the rag with anyone.

SarahService User

I felt like I was facing a brick wall until I started receiving support and information from Ceartas. The outcome of that has led to a much better relationship with the rest of the family, and now we are all pulling in the same direction.

RichardCarer

Ceartas delivered Dementia Awareness Training, which helped our pharmacy staff to identify customers affected by dementia, and to accommodate their needs. As a result we can now offer them a standard of service that affords them the dignity and respect that they deserve.

A. H.Pharmacy Manager

It’s really nice to know that someone is listening to me and taking me seriously. Other people seem to think that my problems are trivial and aren’t worth bothering about, but that is not true. My Advocacy Worker helped me to make my point in such a way that I couldn’t be ignored, and now things are staring to improve as a result.

DavidService User

I didn’t know that there was anything I could do about my situation, let alone that I had options. I feel so much better knowing that I can turn to Ceartas for information when I need it.

JoanneService User

Volunteering with Ceartas has been extremely rewarding and has enabled me to gain experience, independence, confidence and learn a variety of new skills.

ClaireVolunteer

I was apprehensive about being involved with the Still Game group and did not know what to expect… Being with the group and seeing what they were achieving for themselves was great and helped me feel more comfortable.

RobertVolunteer

Having recently retired from midwifery and having more time at my disposal, I find it rewarding to be involved as a volunteer with Ceartas and to be a help in this area.

AnneVolunteer

The help of my Advocacy Worker is extremely valuable as she prepares me as well as supports me to get my point across.

HelenService User

The information, support and knowledge that Ceartas provided helped immensely.

PeterService User

My Advocacy Worker helped me to explore my options around my housing situation, and worked with me to speak to the appropriate people.

CatherineService User

On your own you are a voice in the wilderness, but when advocacy gets involved it makes a huge difference.

AnneService User

Having someone there who can help you make sense of things and ask the difficult questions really makes a difference.

GeorgeService User

My Advocacy Worker offered me a voice when I found it difficult to get my points across on my own.

JohnService User

The help of my Advocacy Worker is extremely valuable as she prepares me, as well as supports me to get my point across.

NicolaService User

Having an Advocacy Worker meant that she had someone ‘on her side’ at a time when significant decisions were being made about her life.

LyndseyAdvocacy Worker

Our service is free, impartial and you can refer yourself.

SharonService Manager

OPAL: East Dunbartonshire Information Line

The OPAL: East Dunbartonshire Information Line is a single point of contact for all adult health service users (16+) in East Dunbartonshire. The OPAL line puts people in contact with a wide variety of information and services, from social and leisure activities through to Social Work and Voluntary Sector services.

When you call OPAL, the call is answered by a person, not a machine. The person you speak to, your OPAL Advisor, will work here in East Dunbartonshire, and they will know the local area. If necessary they will call you back to make sure that action has been taken and that you have resolved the issue.

OPAL also welcomes calls on behalf of people who may benefit: if you are a neighbour, carer or professional who needs information or access to services on behalf of a person, you can call OPAL and we can provide you with the information you need.

You can call OPAL between 9:30am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, on 0141 438 2347.

Promoting OPAL: East Dunbartonshire Information Line

We are very keen to promote OPAL to groups across East Dunbartonshire, as well as to other voluntary and statutory agencies. We have posters and business cards available for distribution, and our staff are always pleased to come and talk about OPAL or give a presentation. If you would like to know more about OPAL, you would like someone to come and talk about it, you can contact the team on 0141 438 2347 or email info@opal-ed.org.uk.

About OPAL: East Dunbartonshire Information Line

The OPAL line aims to change the way we look after people, from a reactive approach where we provide care when people are no longer able to look after themselves; to an anticipatory, preventative approach which keeps people living independently in their own homes for as long as possible, adding healthy years to their lives.

The OPAL East Dunbartonshire Information Line supports the aims of this policy by making it easier for people to get access to information and services, by trying to deal with issues when they are still minor niggles and before they eventually become a major crisis.